Simplifying Fractions by Cancelling Factors

Year 8 Mathematics Learning to find equivalent fractions in their simplest form

Quick Factor Recall

Find all factors of 24 Find all factors of 18 Find all factors of 30 Which factors do they share?

What Does Simplifying Fractions Mean?

Making fractions easier to work with Finding equivalent fractions with smaller numbers Dividing both numerator and denominator by their common factors The fraction value stays the same!

Step-by-Step: Simplifying 12/18

Recognizing Simplest Form

{"left":"A fraction is in simplest form when:\n• The numerator and denominator share no common factors except 1\n• It cannot be simplified further\n• The HCF of numerator and denominator is 1","right":"Examples of simplest form:\n• 3/7 (factors: 3 has 1,3 and 7 has 1,7)\n• 5/8 (factors: 5 has 1,5 and 8 has 1,2,4,8)\n• 2/9 (factors: 2 has 1,2 and 9 has 1,3,9)"}

Practice Time: Fraction Cards

Work in pairs with fraction cards Simplify each fraction step-by-step Show your working on mini-whiteboards Check if your answer is in simplest form

Challenge Question

Can you simplify 45/60? Show your method step-by-step What's the quickest way to find the answer? How do you know it's fully simplified?

Key Points to Remember

Find common factors of numerator and denominator Divide both parts by the highest common factor (HCF) Check your answer is in simplest form The fraction value never changes - only the way it's written Practice makes perfect!